The Last Houlihan's on Long Island Closed in Farmingdale

Written by Madison Dominicci

Farmingdale News

At it’s peak Houlihan’s was a trendy, bar and grill with approximately 100 locations throughout the United States. But for the last 20 years, changing dining behavior, financial stress, and competition dwindled the numbers of locations. By 2019, the number of restaurants was down to 35. On December 31, 2025, the last remaining Houlihan's in Farmingdale, New York closed its doors for good. There were no specific reasons given for why this location was closed except for leasing issues.   

Hoping to take over the now closed Houlihan site, is the fast-food restaurant Raising Canes. This chain is most famous for their chicken tender meals as well as the Texas toast bread. People also enjoy their famous signature canes sauce, crinkle-cut fries, and coleslaw. Raising Cane’s has submitted their permits to the Town of Babylon and if their plans are approved, the plan is to have two drive thru lanes for customers this can help with the long lines and reduce the traffic on route 110. Plans call for indoor seating to accommodate 72 people and outdoor seating for 15 people. Having a new fast-food chain such as Raising Cane’s will bring more traffic to the shopping center. This could be good for the businesses however, maybe not so good for the additional cars as well as the congestion caused by the cars.  

 An article “Raising Cane’s plans new Farmingdale restaurant” written by David Winzelberg, has shared how if the permit gets approved the old 8,500 square foot building will be completely destroyed. The former Houlihan's property will have a huge transformation. Houlihan's was a very family-oriented indoor sit-down restaurant, a lot of families have shared on social media how connected they felt to Houlihan’s. Houlihan's was not just a restaurant but like another family to them. According to the article “Last Houlihan’s on Long Island to close after New Year’s Eve dinner” written by Andrew Rappaport, Migdalia Schneider a resident of Old Bethpage, who had just finished eating lunch in the restaurant  said “I am shocked ---my husband and I come here practically every week,” she also stated “It’s sad. I love the food, the prices are great, and the staff makes you feel at home.”  

  Houlihan’s is not just your average restaurant; it has built a reputation as a place where families will gather to celebrate milestones or special occasions. Some would come here on a regular basis to simply enjoy Houlihan’s food and drinks; those regular customers have grown to share connections with a staff that felt like another family to them. It is very heartbreaking and unexpected news for many customers to hear. The thought of having a Raising Cane’s taking over the Houlihan’s property is a huge change. From a traditional casual dining experience to a quick-service restaurant. The closing of the last Houlihan’s on Long Island not only closes a chapter for the specific chain but for Farmingdale as well. Especially for the customers who thought of Houlihan's as a second home.